Activation of metal hydrides

Abstract

Some metal hydrides permit reversible storage and release of hydrogen for a hydrogen using power-generator. But the surfaces of some metal hydrides or metal hydride precursors may be oxidized or have other coatings that inhibit hydrogen absorption or release. Such materials may be suspended in a suitable liquid and subjected to cavitation processing to break up such hydrogen impermeable surfaces or to fracture the particles so as to provide fresh hydrogen penetratable surfaces.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority based on provisional application 60 / 952,293, titled “Activation of Metal Hydrides,” filed Jul. 27, 2007 and which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure pertains to the treatment of surfaces of metal hydride particles to activate the particles for storage or release of hydrogen. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to such activation of metal hydride particles by suspending them in a suitably inert liquid and subjecting them to cavitation to produce hydrogen permeable surfaces.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the context of this disclosure metal hydrides are elements and alloys or intermetallic compounds of elements that are capable of reversibly absorbing hydrogen. As used herein, the terms metal hydride and metal hydride alloy refer to both metal alloys in a non-hydrided state, sometimes referred to as metal hydriding alloys, and also to metal alloys in a hydrided state, which include the metal allo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for evaluating and treating metal hydride particles to determine their ability to absorb or release hydrogen. The particles are dispersed in a liquid and subjected to cavitation, which causes the removal of inhibiting coatings and exposure of new surfaces for hydrogen absorption or release. The cavitation can also cause fracturing of the particles. The treatment can be carried out at a specific temperature and pressure, and the use of suitable liquids such as supercritical carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen can be advantageous. The method can be used with various metal hydrides and can facilitate the storage and transport of hydrogen.

Problems solved by technology

The cavitation may also cause fracturing of the metal or metal hydride particles to expose fresh, non-occluded surfaces for absorption or release of hydrogen.

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